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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Possible To Have Valley Fever With Blood Tests Negative?

I have been diagnosed with valley fever even though I had 3 negative blood tests. I have been taking fluconazole for 2 months with a total of 6 months total (as of now). I have had classic symptoms, including 4 cases of pneumonia-like problems in 7 months. It has been somewhat debilitating at times. I feel some improvement, but still feel tired and achy most of the time. Is it possible that I truly have valley fever even with negative blood tests? Do they not give the arm test any more?
Tue, 5 Aug 2014
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  User's Response
Hi, thanks for posting your concern in the HCM.
You havenot mentioned what blood tests you have done. However, a DNA PCR (Coccidioides PCR serum testing) can rule out this condition.
If you are suspected to have this disease, an HIV testing should also be done.
There are numerous blood tests including immunologic tests which often give false negative results. So, you need to have a PCR based test done if the facilities are available locally.
Fluconazole is correct treatment for this condition. But, further investigations are needed to rule out other causes of prolonged fever, as you are not responding well to the current treatment.
A tubercular etiology should also be ruled out from sputum microscopic examination and chest X ray.
In case you have any further query in future, you can directly ask me questions @ http://www.HealthcareMagic.com/doctors/dr-kaushik-sarkar/68460.
Regards,
Dr. Kaushik
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Is It Possible To Have Valley Fever With Blood Tests Negative?

Hi, thanks for posting your concern in the HCM. You havenot mentioned what blood tests you have done. However, a DNA PCR (Coccidioides PCR serum testing) can rule out this condition. If you are suspected to have this disease, an HIV testing should also be done. There are numerous blood tests including immunologic tests which often give false negative results. So, you need to have a PCR based test done if the facilities are available locally. Fluconazole is correct treatment for this condition. But, further investigations are needed to rule out other causes of prolonged fever, as you are not responding well to the current treatment. A tubercular etiology should also be ruled out from sputum microscopic examination and chest X ray. In case you have any further query in future, you can directly ask me questions @ http://www.HealthcareMagic.com/doctors/dr-kaushik-sarkar/68460. Regards, Dr. Kaushik